Attorney Devan Byrd is a distinguished legal professional who brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to justice to our firm. Born in Florida and raised in Alabama, Devan’s Southern roots inform her approach to law: a combination of determination, a positive attitude, and excellent communication skills that make her a relentless advocate for her clients. As a key member of our litigation team, Devan embodies our firm’s commitment to a collaborative, team-based approach to case management and litigation strategy. Notable Achievements and Case Results Devan’s track record of success in the courtroom is truly impressive: Served as first chair in multiple trials, securing verdicts in favor of her clients of $450,000 and $1,500,000. Involved in the prosecution of numerous medical malpractice cases, resulting in a total recovery of over $49,000,000 for clients. Over the last seven years, Devan has assisted in recovering over $63,000,000 for clients across all practice areas. These results demonstrate Devan’s skill, dedication, and effectiveness as an advocate for her clients. Commitment to Diversity and Mentorship Devan is deeply committed to empowering female and minority lawyers in the legal profession. She not only serves as a mentor but also as a vital connector, helping the next generation of minority professionals forge relationships with the right mentors to achieve their dreams. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflected in her work within the firm and her extensive community involvement. Team Approach to Litigation At our firm, Devan is a key player in our collaborative approach to case management and litigation. She believes that the best outcomes for clients are achieved when diverse perspectives and expertise are brought together. This team-based strategy allows us to leverage the unique strengths of each attorney, ensuring comprehensive and innovative solutions for our clients. Areas of Practice Automobile, Motorcycle, and Truck Accidents Dram Shop Catastrophic Injury Medical Malpractice and Negligence Wrongful Death Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Education J.D., University of Alabama School of Law B.S. in Business Administration, Birmingham-Southern College Bar Admissions Alabama State Bar U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama Professional Affiliations Alabama State Bar Association Alabama Association for Justice Alabama Lawyers Association Birmingham Bar Association Magic City Bar Association The American Association for Justice National Trial Lawyers The National Black Lawyers American Bar Association Leadership Positions Vice President, Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee Member, Alabama Association of Justice Emerging Leaders Board, 2018-2021 Awards and Recognitions Best Lawyers – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2025 The National Black Lawyers – Top 40 in Civil Plaintiff Practice, 2023-2024 Super Lawyers – Rising Star, 2022-2024 Birmingham Business Journal NextGen Rising Stars of Law, 2020 B-Metro – Top Women Attorneys, 2022 Community Involvement Devan is deeply committed to giving back to her community and fostering diversity in the legal profession. She serves on the Board of Directors for several impactful organizations: STAIR Birmingham Alabama Head Injury Foundation (AHIF) Alabama Civil Justice Foundation (ACJF) Additionally, she contributes her time and expertise to: The Bell Center (Junior Board) Girls Inc. of Central Alabama (Host Committee for the 2025 Bold Futures Breakfast) Through these roles, Devan actively works to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the legal field and beyond. Personal Devan’s commitment to self-improvement and helping others extends beyond her professional life. When she’s not practicing law, Devan enjoys spending time with her beloved doodle, Blue, tending to her garden, practicing Pilates, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, and exploring new destinations through her love of travel. These pursuits reflect her well-rounded approach to life and her ability to connect with clients from all walks of life. Attorney Byrd’s unique combination of legal acumen, community involvement, and personal dedication to diversity and mentorship makes her an invaluable asset to our firm and a powerful advocate for our clients. Her role in empowering the next generation of legal professionals underscores our firm’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive and dynamic legal landscape.
Sallia Wilkins is a labor and employment attorney representing employers and large corporations in complex workplace matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, and wrongful termination claims. She advises companies through all stages of litigation, internal investigations, and strategic risk management, bringing a disciplined, solutions-oriented approach to employment law.
Sallia earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University. Her legal training and professional experience are grounded in a deep understanding of both institutional operations and the human dynamics that drive workplace disputes.
Before entering private practice, Sallia intended to pursue a career as a prosecutor to advance systemic reform through collaborative and diversion-based justice models. After working in a racial justice clinic, she made a deliberate transition to civil practice—allowing her to advocate effectively while maintaining clear professional boundaries. This background informs her strategic judgment, risk assessment, and ability to navigate high-stakes employment matters with clarity and precision.
In addition to her legal practice, Sallia is deeply committed to mentorship and community engagement. She actively mentors current and former foster youth and supports initiatives focused on access to education, professional development, and long-term career sustainability.
Sallia is recognized for her resilience, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver thoughtful, business-minded counsel in demanding legal environments.
Will Cage’s practice focuses on transactional matters, with an emphasis on finance, real estate, and general corporate matters. Will represents borrowers and lenders in acquisition financings, letter of credit financings, secured and unsecured loans, term loan and revolving facilities, asset and cash-flow based lending, and in connection with venture debt financings. He advises clients in a range of industries, including technology, financial services, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and renewable energy.
Prior to joining Coblentz, Will was an associate at Sidley Austin LLP. His experience includes representing private equity firms and portfolio companies with the documentation and negotiation of credit facilities, convertible debt arrangements, acquisition financings, and senior debt and subordinated/mezzanine debt financings. Will has also provided general corporate advice to startup companies and has represented startups in the negotiation of venture debt financings, credit agreements with banks, and lending arrangements with founders.
Will earned his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 2016. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Texas in 2013.
Education
J.D.
Stanford Law School (2016)
B.A.
University of North Texas (2013)
Practices
Real Estate